Information night will give insight into rescue service's workings

Dundalk Democrat - Saturday 3rd May, 2003

The Boyne Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service will hold an information night, on Friday the 9th May next, in the Day Care centre, Ardee, commencing at 730pm.

This information night is to let locals see for themselves some of the equipment which is used by the Fishermen's Rescue and Recovery Service, and also to give an outline of what is involved in their service.

Members will answer questions from the floor, and the night should prove very worthwhile for what is expected to be a big attendance.

Also on the agenda is a view to setting up of branch of the Service in Ardee. The fishermen want to see a similar service in the town and have stated that they would like to see volunteers putting their names forward.

It would also be the intention to have a rescue boat located in Ardee, and that a slipway will be provided along the banks of the River Dee, to gain entry into the river in the event of an emergency.

Local woman, Mary Johnson, who is organising the information night, said that she hopes a large number of people will attend as River Rescue is most important for the whole community.

Mary Johnson, who is spokesperson for the Families who lost Loved Ones through Drowning, said that they had made great progress in Drogheda with regard to the allocation of land by the Drogheda Borough Council, for the building of a new boathouse.

The families who lost loved ones in drowning tragedies are absolutely delighted that the Council have allocated land to the Boyne Fishermen Rescue and Recovery Service for a new boathouse. Families made a direct appeal to the council on this matter.

"We have joined with the families and people of Drogheda, in showing concern about saving lives and recovering lost loved ones. Also we, and the people of Drogheda supplied a new paging system for the Boyne Fishermen Rescue and Recovery Service. This was switched on last year by Supt Fergus Doggett, and myself, on behalf of the families.

'This new paging system has saved lives, and recovered lost loved ones. The Gardai are doing great work with co-ordinating this system with the rescue service, and Cafferys Cabs."

Mary continued; "We thank each and every member of the council. They have supported us one hundred per cent, and it shows just what can be done when a community works together. Families came to know about the Boyne Service through tragic circumstances. We will never forget their dogged determination not to give up once called out for a search. They are a completely voluntary service."

"We appeal to the business community, and individuals for sponsorship and donions towards the building of the new boathouse and getting it up and in operation. With regard to Ardee, we would love to see a large attendance coming to the information night in the Day Care Centre, on Friday the 9th of May.

"Perhaps if we can get enough volunteers for training, and as many people as possible become involved with rescue and recovery, we in Ardee can have our own rescue and recovery service, with a rescue boat based in Ardee. I appeal to all local people across Mid-Louth to attend on Friday night the 9th May."